Being active outdoors locally is an acceptable — and of course, downright healthy! — activity during Santa Cruz County’s Shelter In Place order, as long as social distancing requirements are being followed. Be safe and responsible! Photo: Ian Collin… — Being active outdoors locally is an acceptable — and of course, downright healthy! — activity during Santa Cruz County’s Shelter In Place order, as long as social distancing requirements are being followed. Be safe and responsible! Photo: Ian Collins / Trek.

UPDATES

(originally published 3/21/20)

12/16/20 Regional Stay-At-Home order goes into effect. Again, bike shops are not affected, and we continue to be open with COVID-19 protocol in place. Furthermore, although leisure travel is restricted, travel for essential purposes is allowed, including for exercise. Read the press release.

11/16/20 Santa Cruz County moves back to Purple Tier with travel, business, and gatherings restrictions. Bike shops are not affected, and we continue to be open to serve our community with social distancing and other precautions firmly in place. Read the press release.

7/27/20 Santa Cruz County put on California Department of Public Health monitoring list, modifying or closing operations in several sectors. Bike shops are not affected, and we continue to be open to serve our community with social distancing and other precautions firmly in place. Read the press release.

6/25/20 Santa Cruz County announced that it will reopen all of its beaches starting Friday, June 26.

6/9/20 Face coverings and social distancing continue to be required as Santa Cruz County opens up even more. See the 6/9/20 press release about the latest health order which allows lodging restrictions to be lifted.

5/26/20 Face coverings and social distancing continue to be required as Santa Cruz County opens up. See the 5/26/20 press release about the latest health order which allows early Stage 2 activities to proceed.

5/1/20 Face coverings now mandatory. See the 4/23/20 health order and updated Shelter-in-Place order for more information.

It’s important to note that even when restrictions are eased, we must not let our guard down. Officials urge residents to continue staying close to home, recreating in local parks as opposed to traveling out of the area.

It’s also imperative that we continue to follow social distancing guidelines and to avoid gathering with others outside of our immediate households.

Face coverings for those over 12 continue to be a requirement in Santa Cruz County while out in public (does not apply to exercising); read the Santa Cruz order here.

Although our county’s shelter-in-place order is still in effect, most of our parks and trails are now open, including parking lots that were previously closed.

Since the situation continues to evolve, it’s best to check with the land manager for the most current update before you head out to ride in your favorite locale. Click here for a list of land managers and popular cycling locales under their jurisdiction.

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly caused massive upheaval in our lives and community. We at Epicenter care deeply for those around us, and we’re especially concerned during this trying time.

Naturally, with any crisis comes uncertainty, stress, and anxiety. Disruptions to our daily routine, financial worries, concern over loved ones, etc. can feel insurmountable.

Current restrictions on what we can and cannot do add to the turbulence. With activities and events cancelled, favorite hang-out spots and gyms, etc. closed, and friends kept at bay by social distancing requirements, many of us feel isolated and helpless.

But, there IS a bright spot. Although many activities are not allowed per the Santa Cruz County Shelter In Place order (updated 5/1/20) being active outdoors is NOT one of them, as long as social distancing requirements are being followed.

Being active outdoors is a natural and free remedy for these challenging times! But it’s super important that we engage in our outdoor activities in a safe and responsible manner to protect ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and the world at large.

Bikes to the rescue!

Here’s how bikes can ease the strain during the coronavirus crisis:

Getting out on a bike will lift your spirits — even just a short pedal around the neighborhood will do wonders. Do it!
Riding a bike can help keep you centered ... literally, as it improves your alignment, stability, strength and balance.
As with any type of exercise, riding a bike will help keep your immune system strong — which is more important than ever right now! Of course, it’s a given that being physically active keeps you fit and healthy, and regular exercise combats obesity, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, mental illness, and more. If you don’t already ride a bike regularly to reduce your risk of health problems, now’s a great time to start!
Pedaling as a family or couple is a healthy way to keep connection strong and spirits high during this tough time. And of course, spending some time outside on two wheels gives kids (and adults) an alternative to being sedentary while off school (or work). An electric bike will level the playing field in couples and families with differing fitness and/or ability levels.
Setting some cycling goals can offer a sense of purpose when things may feel out of control.
Running your essential errands — like food shopping and banking — by bike is a safer bet than public transportation or Uber/Lyft. Even if you have a car, opting for your bike will fill you up with good vibes. And, of course, you’ll save on gas and parking at a time when every little bit of savings helps.

Where to ride off-road? Although most of our local park trails and roads are again open for recreation, some parking lots may be closed or have a limited number of parking spots available. Be sure to check with the land manager for current status, as regulations change quickly. Of course, it’s best to leave your car at home and ride to the trail head anyway! #GoByBike 🚲🙌

* In other words, if you can bike/walk to the trailhead. The best way to flatten the curve is to stick to your own area until the Shelter In Place order is lifted!

You to the rescue!

While getting out on your bike is clearly a healthy activity, we need to be especially diligent during this uncertain time. It’s up to US to flatten the curve. We each have the power — and responsibility — to do what we can to improve this crisis.

Here are some things to consider (updated 6/9/20):

Social distancing is crucial. When out riding your bike, it’s imperative that you adhere to Social Distancing Requirements, defined in the Santa Cruz County Shelter In Place Order (5/1/20 update). The main thing to be careful of while cycling is to maintain at least six-foot distance from other individuals. Spread out folks!
Of course, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible, or to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available. Cover coughs and sneezes (into sleeve or elbow, not hands), and of course, refrain from touching others, particularly their hands.
Speaking of coughs and sneezes … this is not a good time to hack up a loogie or send a snot rocket onto the road or trail!
If you’re sick or suspect you’ve been exposed to the virus, it goes without saying: STAY HOME. No matter how careful you might be, it’s simply too much risk to your community. Also, contrary to popular belief, you cannot “sweat out” a virus or fever with exercise.
Although earlier Shelter-In-Place orders meant sticking strictly to home trails and routes, as counties throughout California and beyond open back up to tourism, you’ll be tempted to hit the road. Of course, it’d be best if everyone remained in their own areas, but if you’re looking to adventure away from home, be very diligent about following social distancing guidelines, wearing your mask in public, and practicing good hygiene. It’s up to all members of our community to minimize the risk of spreading infection!
Don’t share food, water, or tools with others. Be fully prepared with all you need for your ride.
This one’s so important we’re going to repeat it: Social distancing is crucial. When you’re out on your bike, whether on trail or road, make sure you maintain a solid six-foot distance between you and other riders.
This applies to passing; you probably won’t be able to do so with a six-foot buffer. Carry a mask for passing and pop it on when you encounter other users. Faster riders, communicate kindly and clearly. Slower riders, hop off your bike and step off trail so the faster rider can pass safely.
Ride solo or with members of your own household. Avoid group rides or post-ride gatherings outside of the people you live with.
Bring a face covering (such as a mask). Santa Cruz County updated its health order on 5/1/20 to include the 4/23/20 order to wear a face covering when in public. Although wearing a face covering is NOT required while exercising, put one on when passing and otherwise finding yourself in closer contact with others.
Be careful out there! Ride conservatively to lower your risk of injury, which can put undue pressure on our health care facilities.
Mountain bikers, please review guidelines for riding in the rainy season and opt for a road ride when the trails are too wet. If you leave tracks: TOO WET.

We’re here to support you

Epicenter Cycling is committed to supporting the Santa Cruz County cycling community — many of whom depend on a bicycle as their sole means of transportation — by staying open as a federally and locally approved “essential business” during the COVID-19 crisis.

Currently, our Santa Cruz store is open 7 days a week from 10am-6pm, our Aptos store is open daily from 10am-5pm, and our new location in Monterey is open Tuesday through Sunday 10am-6pm (closed Monday).

We are allowing two customers or families at a time to guarantee social distancing. Please wait on outside dot and purple lines and we will come outside to let you in.

Santa Cruz County now requires all customers to wear a face mask inside and while waiting outside. Curbside pick up is available; please call if you want us to meet you at your car. Free local delivery also available.

Call us at (831) 423-9000 (Santa Cruz), (831) 662-8100 (Aptos) or (831) 920-1804 (Monterey).

Shine the light

As you experience the support that riding a bike offers during this trying time, please take a moment to share the positivity and make a difference to those around you.

Tag us in your social posts — we’d love to soak up your stoke and share it on our networks. @rideepicenter #bikestotherescue #ride831

Additional reading

The COVID-19 pandemic is, of course, a rapidly developing situation. For the most up-to-date information, check resources such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) regularly.

We found this Bicycling Magazine article very informative and used it as a reference for this post — give it a read!

Update 3/24/20: this article by Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz has some updated information and important tips. Please review!

Many people in the Santa Cruz County rely on a bicycle as their sole means of transportation. Epicenter Cycling is open during the COVID-19 crisis in support of our cycling community, especially those who need to ride a bike for essential errands, a… — Many people in the Santa Cruz County rely on a bicycle as their sole means of transportation. Epicenter Cycling is open during the COVID-19 crisis in support of our cycling community, especially those who need to ride a bike for essential errands, and/or to and from employment at an essential business. Photo: Trek.

Cycling During the COVID-19 Pandemic